Rio athletes' village unveiled in front of IOC chief

Despite financial and organizational problems that have delayed other construction projects for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the largest athletes' village in the long history of the Games was unveiled in the city on Wednesday.

The village will host more than 18,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, officials, staff and volunteers in 31 buildings and more than 3,600 apartments.

It will be equipped with video games, musical instruments, beauticians, psychologists, a multi-faith religious center, swimming pools and tennis courts.

"(The athletes) will prepare for their competitions but at the same time they will dine together, they will discuss together, they will celebrate together, and in doing so will send a strong message of understanding, peace and respect to the whole world," International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said.

The first athletes are expected to arrive at the village on July 24 ahead of the Aug. 5-21 Olympics.

HOSTELS IN RIO SLUMS TO SERVE AS HOUSING:

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Hostels in Rio slums to serve as housing for Olympics

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Hostels in Rio slums to serve as housing for Olympics

Solange, a worker at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel, stands near an entrance, in Pereira da Silva favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 21, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Milene prepares a room at Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A tourist leaves her room at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A room at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel is seen in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A man is reflected in a mirror in a room at Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 15, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A room at Tiki hostel is seen in Cantagalo favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A guest relaxes with the The Sugar Loaf mountain in the background at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A woman sits on a terrace at Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 16, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A man walks along a terrace at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 21, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A room at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel is seen in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Solange, a worker at Pousada Favelinha hostel, talks to guests outside the hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Solange, a worker at Pousada Favelinha hostel, returns to the hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Solange, a worker at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel, poses for a photograph at the hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Houses are seen through a window of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Solange, a worker at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel, prepares a room in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 21, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A drawing is seen on a wall at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Cats sit on a chair at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

British musician Tom Ashe poses for a photograph near the building where he is renting a room, in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Ligia, the owner of Pousada Favela Cantagalo hostel, poses for a photograph near her hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A room at Pousada Favela Cantagalo hostel is seen in Cantagalo favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A room for rent is seen at a house in Pereira da Silva favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A suite is seen at the Mirante do Arvrao hostel in Vidigal favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 5, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Dois Irmaos (Two brothers) peaks are seen from the Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 1, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A guest walks along a terrace at Alto Vidigal hostel in Vidigal favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 23, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

A worker serves coffee to a guest at Pousada Favelinha (Little favela) hostel kitchen in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 29, 2016. Hostels in a few of RioÃs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

The combination picture shows views through hostel windows located in various favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 15-24, 2016. Hostels in a few of Rioâs more than 1,000 slums serve not only as a cheap housing alternative for the more adventurous among the estimated 500,000 foreign tourists expected to arrive for the Olympics in August. The establishments also open up the rich culture of the city's shantytowns for travellers, giving them a glimpse into once "no-go" areas where about one-fifth of Rio's population lives. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares SEARCH "HOLIDAY FAVELAS" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "THE WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES

Sugar Loaf mountain is seen through a window of Favelinha (Little favela) hostel in Pereira da Silva favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 21, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Houses are seen through a window of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 15, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Ipanema beach is seen through a window at the Alto Vidigal hostel in Vidigal favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 23, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

The Dois Irmaos (Two brothers) peaks are seen through a window of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 15, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Houses are seen through a window of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 15, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Christ the Redeemer statue is seen through a window of Scene hostel in Santa Marta favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 24, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Houses are seen through a window of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 15, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Houses are seen through a window of Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 16, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

Houses (R) are seen through a window as Copacabana beach is reflected on a glass at Tiki hostel in Cantagalo favela, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 15, 2016. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares